'An enjoyable grand tour of western European history ... full of flavour and sparkle.' The
Sunday Times 'The book's elegant premise is that the Rhine the Rhône and the Po gave
rise to the three great national cultures - and in doing so helped unify Europe' Financial
Times A fascinating exploration of the rich and varied cultural worlds shaped by the
Rhine the Rhone and the Po Three of Europe's greatest rivers share the same geological
cradle: one fertile patch of Alpine ice in the jagged heights of central Switzerland. Coursing
down through the peaks the Rhine the Rhone and the Po gave birth to three different European
cultures - German French and Italian - as they flowed across the continent. From this
shared geological cradle these waterways have shaped the landscape influenced the pattern of
towns and cities laid the foundation for economies and created an intricate network of
transport trade and agriculture. From the Romanesque buttresses and vines of Provence to the
Wagnerian music of the Rhine and the artistic miracles of Lombardy the heart of Western Europe
- its languages religion philosophy science politics and art - has been nourished by these
waters. Setting off in the dramatic mountain landscape where this story begins
acclaimed historian Robert Winder traces the rivers' journeys from their increasingly fragile
glacial sources revealing in shimmering detail their impact on Europe's rich history as they
flow towards the sea. FINANCIAL TIMES - BEST BOOKS OF 2025 'Revelatory and
inspirational a passionate love-letter to Western Europe's great trinity of waterways.' James
Hawes author of The Shortest History of Germany 'Enthralling . . . gives intriguing
insight into the ebb and flow of Western Europe's culture history and geography.' Jasper Winn
author of Water Ways 'In this love letter to the Continent Robert Winder takes a
meandering and always entertaining journey down Western Europe's three great rivers. His
affection for his subject shines through on every page . . . and his daring digressive style
gives him latitude for quirky erudition and the chance to deliver unexpected delights.' Stephen
O'Shea author of The Alps 'Insightful elegant and deeply researched to the very last
drop this book will change the way you see rivers - and the continent they have shaped -
forever.' Matt Gaw author of In All Weathers ' Three Rivers is wonderful excursion
into history travel and stories about some of the most fascinating rivers of Europe - do
yourself a favour and take a holiday with this book. ' Robert Twigger author of Red Nile
